Samsung launches recycling program for unwanted electronics

October 2, 2008 Samsung Electronics America has launched the Recycling Direct program dedicated to the take-back and recycling (TB&R) of its consumer electronics across all product lines. Effective immediately, the public can take their Samsung electronic goods sold in the United States to one of 174 fixed drop-off locations across the country and have them recycled free of charge.

Non-Samsung-branded consumer electronics will also be accepted for a nominal fee paid directly to the recycler upon delivery of the e-waste.

Samsung launched the program by hosting recycling events for thousands of its employees. DJ Oh, President and CEO, Samsung Electronics America, said that “thousands of Samsung employees across the country demonstrated their shared commitment to the environment by recycling consumer electronics products, including mobile phones, televisions, cameras, VCRs, computers and monitors.”

The company has already collected over 1.7 million pounds of consumer electronics through existing TB&R programs, in addition to many toner cartridges, mobile phones and office equipment. The motivation behind the Recycling Direct program was to provide a convenient way for consumers to responsibly recycle their consumer electronics.

Samsung hopes to engage the community in its recycling program in four ways through: 174 fixed drop-off locations across the US; Samsung-sponsored recycling events; recycling drives with retail and business partners; and non-Samsung-sponsored events where consumers can recycle their Samsung-branded consumer electronics at pre-scheduled recycling drives sponsored by Samsung's recycling partners.

Recycling drop-off locations for the Samsung Recycling Direct program and information on responsible recycling of consumer electronics can be found on the company’s website .